This is the time of year when viruses thrive the most,
that’s why it’s often referred to as flu season. Flu season technically begins
in October, but the illness spreads as late as early spring! When you’re
battling a virus like the flu, it’s important to be able to get the care that
you need when you need it. Keep reading to learn a little more about how an
urgent care center could help you manage your winter virus!

Diagnosis

If you come to the urgent care complaining of the flu, the
staff will first need to confirm that diagnosis. There isn’t a way to test for
the flu, but your symptoms are typically enough to diagnose your illness.
Common flu symptoms the urgent care staff will look for include:

• High fever or chills
• Congestion or runny nose
• Body aches and general fatigue
• Sore throat
• Gastrointestinal symptoms – vomiting or diarrhea

Flu symptoms typically come on quickly and although some may
improve without treatment, other symptoms can stick around for longer than
you’d like. If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms and they’re
continuing to get worse instead of better, it’s time to go to urgent care!

Symptom Management

There is no cure for the flu, but
your symptoms can be made a little more tolerable with a mix of prescription
medication, over the counter medication, and home remedies. Discuss any over
the counter medications and home remedies you’re using with the urgent care
staff so they can accurately write you a prescription if you need one. Urgent
care centers can also help to get you hydrated, lower you fever, and prevent
symptoms from getting worse.

Preventative Care

Urgent care centers are also equipped with the tools they
need to help you prevent a virus this winter. Stop in your local urgent care to
get your flu shot if you haven’t already. Even though it’s already winter, it
isn’t too late to get vaccinated! Flu season can last as late as May, so
there’s no reason to leave yourself unprotected any longer. Getting the flu
shot reduces your risk of the flu by over 80%. Flu vaccines have little to no
side effects and are covered in full by most major insurance companies.

Rather you need to manage your symptoms or if you’re trying
to prevent them before they occur, urgent care can help! Look online to find
the nearest urgent care to you and get familiar with their hours of operation.
There’s nothing better than knowing right where to go when you’re in need of
quick, quality, affordable care for your illness or injury!